magnum research 45-70 revolver
- Thread starter coyotewsm
- Start date
Model12Win
Moderator
There a big 'ol boy.
Not strong enough for the very hot +P Buffalo Bore loads that are made mostly for strong rifles, so really doesn't give all that much more performance over .454 Casull, and worse performance than .460 S&W magnum.
They can take standard pressure and the warmer "mid range" load well, though.
Not strong enough for the very hot +P Buffalo Bore loads that are made mostly for strong rifles, so really doesn't give all that much more performance over .454 Casull, and worse performance than .460 S&W magnum.
They can take standard pressure and the warmer "mid range" load well, though.
22-rimfire
New member
The BFR's are well made. Recoil will be stout (but tolerable) unless loaded light. I prefer the short cylinder versions (calibers) myself as they just look better (visual balance).
Added: There seems to be little interest in this forum with BFR's in general. Try Handgun Hunter Mag forum where the big bore guys hang. I own a 475/480 BFR with 6.5" barrel and it is a fine revolver.
Added: There seems to be little interest in this forum with BFR's in general. Try Handgun Hunter Mag forum where the big bore guys hang. I own a 475/480 BFR with 6.5" barrel and it is a fine revolver.
I briefly looked at them when I was looking for a large revolver. I settled on a 460 S&W and am happy with it. The Smith and the 460 case were made to handle big pressure so you can use the full range of the cartridge if so inclined. The 45-70 revolvers were trendy in the 1970s because back then there was not so much else in that line to chose from.
22-rimfire
New member
Yes, they were trendy when the were first introduced as being one of the biggest and baddest back in the day. I just never liked the looks with the long cylinder. Nothing against them really.... I just choose a different caliber to achieve the same results.
I guess it depends on what you are comparing them too. If you are comparing them to Freedom Arms or a custom, they are pretty reasonably priced for what you get and they are well made.
I guess it depends on what you are comparing them too. If you are comparing them to Freedom Arms or a custom, they are pretty reasonably priced for what you get and they are well made.
buck460XVR
New member
BFR 45-70 revolver
As a companion for a guide gun chambered in the same caliber, maybe. But as a stand alone, big bore hunting revolver, there are many better options available. JMTCs.
As a companion for a guide gun chambered in the same caliber, maybe. But as a stand alone, big bore hunting revolver, there are many better options available. JMTCs.
They're nice guns, a step above Ruger quality but not to the level of a Freedom Arms. They're overbuilt and very strong, and the .45-70 BFR's will take the HOT .45-70 loads, they do have a 450 Marlin version afterall which is nearly the same thing.
They're big though, I've got a 454 version and it's big enough, the .45-70 is just huge. They're accurate and well made, very nice guns for the money. Sure they're pricier than Rugers but they should be, they're nicer guns. If you want or need a powerful revolver, they're a fine option. If it's not a primary gun and you want smaller and more packable than you'll probably want something else.
They're big though, I've got a 454 version and it's big enough, the .45-70 is just huge. They're accurate and well made, very nice guns for the money. Sure they're pricier than Rugers but they should be, they're nicer guns. If you want or need a powerful revolver, they're a fine option. If it's not a primary gun and you want smaller and more packable than you'll probably want something else.
I a BFR in 45-70. Its a very fun gun and can be loaded fairly hot. I have pushed a 550 grain pill out to about 1300 FPS
Like any other gun the recoil depends on the load and the weight of the gun. It can be loaded mild to wild. For quality it is a very simple gun there is no half cock. They are heavy which helps with recoil but also makes it harder to carry. I got a chest rig for mine that seems to work good.
I was going to hunt deer with it during Idaho short range hunt until I found out it would not be lawful to do so.
Shown here with my NAA 22 short revolver:
It goes well with this 45-70 marlin.
Like any other gun the recoil depends on the load and the weight of the gun. It can be loaded mild to wild. For quality it is a very simple gun there is no half cock. They are heavy which helps with recoil but also makes it harder to carry. I got a chest rig for mine that seems to work good.
I was going to hunt deer with it during Idaho short range hunt until I found out it would not be lawful to do so.
Shown here with my NAA 22 short revolver:
It goes well with this 45-70 marlin.
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22-rimfire
New member
I have a chest rig for my 6.5" BFR for woods carry. Seems to work even though the holster is not as nice as I would prefer. You just can't walk into a gun shop any more and buy a holster like that.
I have read reports that most like their 45-70 BFR's and yes, you can load them mild to wild. BFR's are strong well made revolvers and a step above your typical Ruger Black hawk.
Get it. You'll have a lot of fun with it. I think it should be used as a primary hunting firearm, rather than something you grab for shots of opportunity.
Years ago, I bought my first 44+ and it was a Ruger SRH in 480 Ruger. If S&W had offered the 500 S&W then, that is the one I would have chosen and shot mostly with lower weight bullets for deer hunting. But, once I got a 480, I was pretty hooked and that caliber satisfied the niche I was seeking to fill quite well. Would still like to find a reasonably priced Alaskan in that caliber just because.
I have read reports that most like their 45-70 BFR's and yes, you can load them mild to wild. BFR's are strong well made revolvers and a step above your typical Ruger Black hawk.
Get it. You'll have a lot of fun with it. I think it should be used as a primary hunting firearm, rather than something you grab for shots of opportunity.
Years ago, I bought my first 44+ and it was a Ruger SRH in 480 Ruger. If S&W had offered the 500 S&W then, that is the one I would have chosen and shot mostly with lower weight bullets for deer hunting. But, once I got a 480, I was pretty hooked and that caliber satisfied the niche I was seeking to fill quite well. Would still like to find a reasonably priced Alaskan in that caliber just because.
Its rated at the level 2 range same as the marlin rifles. Buffalo Bore says there 45-70 ammo is safe in marlins so I have assumed its safe in my BFR as well. I have shot there 405 grain rounds from my BFR. It get about 1950 FPS from my SBL and about 1750 From my 10inch BFR. Id say that is pretty good killing power. Id say it competes with the 460 but not really the 500 magnum.